Parliament – Nadda Defends Delhi Police Action in JNU Protest Case During Rajya Sabha Debate
Parliament – The Rajya Sabha witnessed a sharp exchange over the Delhi Police action linked to the 2021 JNU protest case, with the government defending the investigation while Opposition parties questioned the conduct of law enforcement.
The government on Wednesday defended the Delhi Police after officers entered the CPI(M) office in connection with the 2021 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) protest case to arrest party leader Aishe Ghosh. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House J P Nadda said the police had carried out a routine legal procedure and acted within the framework of the law. His remarks came amid strong protests from Opposition members, who criticised the police action and sought an explanation from the Union government.
Government Stands by Police Procedure
Addressing the House during the heated discussion, Nadda rejected allegations that the police had acted improperly. He stated that the investigation was conducted according to established legal procedures and stressed that law enforcement agencies were performing their official duties.
Referring to the broader role of student activism, Nadda remarked that those involved in political movements should be prepared to face legal processes whenever required. According to him, such situations are not unusual in public life and should be viewed within the legal framework rather than through a political lens.
Nadda Cites Emergency-Era Experience
Drawing from his own political journey, Nadda recalled his experience as a student activist during the Emergency imposed by the Congress government. He said he had been detained and sent to jail during that period, adding that facing detention or legal action had long been a reality for many student activists engaged in political movements.
His comments were intended to underline that legal proceedings against activists are not unprecedented and should not automatically be interpreted as an attack on democratic values.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Police Entry
The issue was first brought before the House by CPI(M) member John Brittas soon after the scheduled papers were laid. Brittas alleged that Delhi Police personnel, reportedly dressed in plain clothes, had entered the CPI(M) office to arrest Aishe Ghosh in connection with the pending case.
The allegation triggered immediate protests from Opposition benches, with members arguing that the manner of the police operation raised serious questions. They demanded accountability and sought an explanation from the government regarding the circumstances surrounding the police visit.
Kharge Questions Democratic Institutions
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge backed the concerns raised by Opposition parties and criticised the police action. He argued that such incidents reflected a worrying trend and expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure on democratic institutions.
As the debate continued, Opposition MPs repeatedly raised slogans inside the House, leading to interruptions during proceedings. They insisted that the matter required a detailed response from the Union Home Minister instead of explanations from other ministers.
Demand for Amit Shah’s Presence Continues
The Opposition also renewed its demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the House directly. During Question Hour, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury questioned his absence and urged the government to provide a statement through the Home Minister.
Several Opposition leaders supported the demand, maintaining that the issue involved the functioning of the Delhi Police and therefore required a response from the minister responsible for the Home Ministry. The repeated demands added to the tense atmosphere in the Rajya Sabha as proceedings continued amid frequent interruptions.